April 14, 2008 10:00 PM
Drew Litton: Melo's Wrong Turn
What was Carmelo thinking? At what point does he own up and grow up? How many chances will he get to clean up his life ? Clearly, much like Brandon Marshall, he just doesn't get it. And as far as I'm concerned he's running out of time to prove himself worthy of the position his talent has afforded him. If it's my team, he's the perfect candidate for a trade. It would make the Nuggets better and rid the franchise of an immature player who just can't seem to get a clue.
On a different note I am concerned about the direction the comments have been taking lately. I have always envisioned this blog as a place where sports fans can gather to share insights and camaraderie. Instead it seems to be degenerating into name calling and phantom posts. I'm asking those who post here to keep your comments civil, intelligent and authentic. Thanks.
Drew
April 15, 2008
12:09 PM
Jacob writes:
I don't think you can compare Carmelo's situation to Brandon Marshall's. Marshall really has had only one serious problem (his DUI) whereas Carmelo has the stop snitching video, being caught with weed, the fight at MSG, and now a DUI 1 game before the playoffs. Carmelo has demonstrated much more than Brandon Marshall that he does not get it. I think there is still time for Brandon Marshall to turn it around whereas it's becoming increasingly clear that Carmelo does not understand the privilege he has of being a basketball superstar. How about trading Carmelo to Philly for Iguadola, Louis Williams and a 1st round pick? Nuggets get a defensive stopper in Iguadola, a good backup PG (and future starter) in Williams, and a pick to either trade or build upon. There's still plenty of scoring on that team as the starting 5 would be 1. carter 2. iverson 3. iguadola 4. k-mart 5. camby and a deep bench with williams, jr, kleiza, nene, and najera all getting significant PT.
April 15, 2008
1:30 PM
Matthew writes:
It says a lot about the state of people's priorities in life when they defend a millionaire basketball player from a possible conviction of driving drunk. I've seen posts that forgive him already and the results aren't even in. I'm also surprised that it takes two weeks for blood alcohol level tests to come back. That's pretty convenient considering the Nuggets start the playoffs very soon and because of the time spent testing the blood sample, Carmelo will be available for at least the 1st round minimum. Sounds like some kind of deal was struck to make sure he's be available for the playoffs. I'm sure if it were me, my B.A.L would be checked immediately. There wouldn't be a delay.
It's surprising that NBA contracts do not seem to include clauses for poor behavior, at least none that are made public. These athletes seem to be given a better break than other citizens, and that has to change. There cannot be a double standard in the legal system.
If Carmelo is innocent, then so be it. But to find him either innocent or guilty before the tests come out is irresponsible. I must say though, Carmelo seems to have a way of worming out of trouble. I'm of the opinion that it was really his pot in the backpack, in his company car, and that his mug shot indicates that he was not drinking club soda before getting in his car.
I would think that as a new father, he might not want to take the chance on turning his kid into an orphan before the child's forst birthday. But then, apparently Carmelo wants to live fast. I just don't understand that mentality.
April 15, 2008
2:01 PM
Rick writes:
Just par for the course for this guy. And for plenty of NBA players in general, who care more about partying and staying out until the wee hours of the night than about their professional responsibilities. How anyone can follow the NBA and root for these guys is beyond me.
April 15, 2008
2:19 PM
Ben Lilly writes:
Let's all just wait until the blood tests come back.
April 15, 2008
4:22 PM
Kurt writes:
Matthew,
so you know its standard procedure to wait 10-14 days for a blood test to return, if he had taken a breath test he would have know right away...with that said, Carmelo is a pinical point in his life, he can either get with the program and clean up his act, or he can go down as being one of the most talented players....with the asterix of a trouble maker always next to his name. Ragrdless if he is guilty or not, WTF was he doing out at 4 am with any booze in his system(if he did have any), and can't he hire somebody to lug him around...La La needs to lay the law down!
April 15, 2008
4:42 PM
Rob writes:
Seriously, I don't accept the apology. Stan Kronke, George Karl, Carmelo's wife, and any regular peron should not accept an apology here. Anthony has repeately said he was ready to grow up. Lie enough times and you're the Boy Who Cried Wolf. I don't believe him anymore and no one should. The only thing that's going to stop his destructive nature is if he crashes his car, rolls it eight times, and breaks himself up so bad he can never play basketball again. Once he can no longer play ball, he'll come around because he'll have to focus himself on something that's actually important. Right now, he's a loser. All these excuses about how he's a young kid are stupid. If you're old enough to cash a $6 Million check, then you're old enough to live responsibly.
Carmelo just doesn't understand that he got off lucky. Many people take the ride he took the other night and pay a high price. He got off lucky. If I were Stan Kronke, I'd suspend him without pay for the duration of the playoffs and make him perform community service at local schools giving talks about the consequences of driving while impaired. Maybe if he was forced to miss basketball games by being sat down by the owner of the team instead of David Stern, he might get the message. Then again, maybe he never will.
April 15, 2008
7:14 PM
Voice Of Reason writes:
If Stan Kronke had any balls, he would fine and suspend Anthony. At some point, all the apologies in the world are not enough. Carmelo, this is not your first run in with the long arm of the law. Your "friends" have been busted with "their" pot in your backpack and in your car. You've been nailed for speeding. You've gotten suspended for picking a fight in an NBA game. Now, you're "under suspicion" for driving drunk when you should have been home either sleeping or taking care of your wife and child. You are the definition of a lost cause. If it wasn't clear before why the Pistons passed on drafting you, it should be crystal clear now.
April 16, 2008
9:43 AM
Jeremy writes:
Matthew, as a follow-up to Kurt's comment: even when the blood test comes back (assuming it's above the legal limit), Anthony will not be immediately suspended. In America, we do the "innocent until proven guilty" thing, which means Melo has several weeks and maybe months before a legal verdict is reached, at which time punishment is levied. In short, there is nothing questionable about the time delay for the BAC test, nor will it be atypical to see several months elapse before a final verdict and possible suspension.
(For old time's sake, I'm a bit surprised Tom hasn't chimed in, research or not. It's a bit different not reading any posts about Anthony being a "mush-mouthed gangster".)
April 17, 2008
2:40 PM
Bobby writes:
How can any of you judge Melo or anyone for that fact. What were you guys doing at 21-22-23. Its not right but none of you drove tipsy or drunk? Get real ,Melo has made mistakes and his young. Look at AI, he made alot of mistakes and has grown to be a very good leader, father and overall decent man. I'm not defending his actions (melo) all I'm saying if your got his back when his helping your team win then have his back during the low times too. Regardless of talent or money these guys are human beings too....period...look in the damn mirror before you start throwing stones....